Energy Smart Tip - Maximize the Efficiency of Break Room Refrigerator, Save up to $50 in Energy Costs

Refrigerator efficiency standards were changed in 1993. If your refrigerator is older than that, you may be spending about $100 per year to power it.

  • Time Required: 1 minute to unplug an unneeded refrigerator, 30 minutes to maintain refrigerator, a few hours to shop for a new Energy Star-qualified refrigerator (search for your nearest Energy Star refrigerator retailer here)
  • Up-Front Cost: $0 to remove an extra refrigerator or maintain existing refrigerator, several hundred dollars to buy new refrigerator
  • Potential Savings: $50 if you upgrade your refrigerator, $100 if you remove an extra refrigerator (calculate savings using this calculator spreadsheet from Energy Star)

Unplug Extra Refrigerators

Do you have an extra refrigerator operating in a basement or storage room? If possible, try to consolidate - unplugging an empty refrigerator is like finding $100 in your basement!

If cost is an issue, just unplug the refrigerator until recycling becomes feasible. Many recycling options are available; visit this website about refrigerator recycling from Energy Star or contact Energy Smart for assistance.

Maximize the Efficiency of Your Current Refrigerator

If you already have an Energy Star-qualified refrigerator, or you just want to help your current refrigerator operate as efficiently as possible, we recommend the following strategies from Energy Star:

  • Keep your refrigerator at 35-38 degrees F.
  • Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources such as ovens, dishwashers, and direct sunlight.
  • Leave a few inches of space between your refrigerator and the wall.
  • If you have an older refrigerator, keep the condenser coils clean. Read the user's manual to learn how to clean coils safely. Coil cleaning brushes can be found at many hardware stores.
  • Replace seals around refrigerator door if they are not airtight.
  • Keep the door shut as much as possible.

Click here to find out more about these tips from Energy Star.

Replace Your Old Refrigerator with an Energy Star-Qualified Model

It may be time to retire your old refrigerator.

This chart from Energy Star helps you decide if it is time to replace your refrigerator, and this chart will help you find an appliance retailer that sells Energy Star appliances. These tips help you choose a model - did you know that models with automatic ice-makers and dispensers add $75-250 to the purchase price and use 14-20% more energy? Additional information about how a refrigerator becomes Energy Star-qualified is available here.

Recycling options are available; visit this website about refrigerator recycling from Energy Star or contact Energy Smart for assistance. Be sure to contact Energy Smart to find out if a utility rebate will be available - (651) 292-4652.

Resources:

Energy Star - Refrigerators

Energy Star - Commercial Solid Door Refrigerators

For more energy efficiency tips, check out Quick Tips for Energy Efficiency.